On This Day: Barnsley v Bradford City – 21 March 1912

FA Cup Fourth Round (3rd Replay) – Bramall Lane, Sheffield
Attendance: 38,264

Fourth Time Lucky?

After three goalless draws, including a rain-soaked abandonment at Elland Road, Barnsley and Bradford City met yet again—this time at Bramall Lane—to finally settle their FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Bradford, the reigning FA Cup holders, were determined not to surrender their crown without a fight. Barnsley, however, had different ideas. Forced into a change, they brought in Jimmy Moore to replace the injured Bert Leavey, who had suffered a broken leg in the previous match.

The conditions were rough, the stakes even higher. Something had to give.

A Flying Start

The game began at a blistering pace, and after just 13 minutes, Barnsley struck first. George Lillycrop played a clever pass into the path of Arthur Travers, who turned sharply and drilled a fierce low shot into the far corner.

Barnsley pushed for a second as Lillycrop and Travers both went close, while at the other end, Bradford nearly hit back as McDonald rattled the crossbar.

As half-time approached, the Reds were deservedly in front, but the contest was far from over.

Half-time: Barnsley 1-0 Bradford City

The Holders Fight Back

Bradford came out for the second half with renewed determination. Speirs hauled them level in the 65th minute, heading home from a well-placed corner.

Ten minutes later, Barnsley found themselves behind. Devine, collecting a pass from Logan, weaved past Downs and fired past Cooper. For the first time in the match, Barnsley looked beaten.

With time running out, desperation set in. The Reds needed a hero.

Lillycrop to the Rescue!

With just five minutes left, Barnsley forced a corner. Moore swung it in, and Lillycrop rose highest, planting a bullet header past Mellors. 2-2!

The game exploded into life in extra time, both sides throwing everything at each other. The crowd roared with every near miss, and as the minutes ticked down, another replay seemed inevitable.

Then, in the dying seconds, Barnsley launched one last desperate attack.

Bartrop’s shot was parried, Glendenning kept the move alive, and suddenly, the ball fell to Lillycrop. The centre-forward lashed it home.

Cue pandemonium.

Before Bradford could even restart, the referee blew the final whistle. Barnsley were through!

Full-time (AET): Barnsley 3-2 Bradford City

A Famous Victory

Barnsley fully deserved their win. They had matched the Cup holders in defence and outpaced them in attack. Lillycrop was the standout performer—strong, brave, and clinical when it mattered most.

This unforgettable night set up a semi-final clash with Swindon Town at Crystal Palace. The dream was still alive.

We all know how that story ends...

Barnsley XI:

Cooper, Downs, Taylor, Glendenning, Bratley, Utley, Bartrop, Tufnell, Lillycrop, Travers, Moore

Bradford City XI:

Mellors, Campbell, Gane, Hampton, Torance, McDonald, Logan, Speirs, Walden, Devine, Thompson

Referee: Mr A. Adams (Nottingham)